“Come in!” Brooke heard Roy call from behind the office door.
She entered to see Roy seated in his usual casual manner – semi-reclined in his leather chair and sporting a pin-striped suit.
He gave her a welcoming smile. “Take a seat.”
When Brooke was seated, a smile spread over his face. “You did a great job on the Cruz edit, Brooke. A great job.”
“Thank you Roy.”
“So, how are you fixed at the moment?”
“Got a few edits in the pipeline but nothing urgent. I’m pretty much ahead of schedule.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Brooke looked at him with curiosity. “Why? Is there something you’d like me to do?”
“Yes.” He walked behind his desk, sat down and switched on his computer. “It’s here.”
“What is it?” she asked.
“The synopsis and first few chapters of Danni’s book.” His perfectly manicured finger pressed the mouse button. “I’ve emailed it to you. It would be good if you could let me know what you think of it.”
“Oh right. Great. Have you read it?”
He shook his head. “I don’t want to be biased. I trust your judgement Brooke.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere!” She smiled.
“Not flattery. Anyway have a read and let me know what you think.”
“Will do.”
She nodded and made her way back to her office. As she sank into her chair, she sighed with a mixture of satisfaction and discomfort: If the book was good and Roy decided to publish Danni’s work, she would be over the moon that she had got her big break. But that would also mean Brooke would have no choice but to have contact with her. The thought scared the living daylights out of her.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
As the days passed by, Danni tried her hardest to put all thoughts of Brooke aside. She thought she was doing a good job of keeping her emotions in order, until she’d passed by the bookshop and remembered the evening they had spent there together. It had left her feeling helpless and desperate for a final solution. A part of her had toyed with the idea of emailing Brooke and just telling her the truth, but who would that really benefit? It would just complicate things even further. No, she’d just have to suck it up and move on. Perhaps one day. She shook her head. Just let it go!
Danni sat on the living room floor. Chocolate muffins, a coffee, and her laptop to keep her company. Just as an email alert popped up on the screen, the door flung open.
“What you up to?” Josh asked entering the room.
Danni clicked on her email. “Nothing much. Laughing at pictures of pets that look like Oprah Winfrey.” She looked up at him. “I’ve got some good news though.”
Josh lowered himself onto the floor beside her and put his arm around her giving her a quick squeeze. “What’s that? You’ve won the lottery?”
Danni shook her head.
“Well spit it out – and you say I never get to the point?” he said rolling his eyes.
Danni made a concerted effort to sound positive – despite the fact that she felt she had been kicked in the guts by a herd of angry cows. “Guess who has got a job interview tomorrow?”
“You have? With who?”
“The council. It’s just to tide me over until my latest book gets snapped up and I become a best-selling author.”
“Oh right. Doing what? Admin?”
Danni pushed herself onto her feet and walked to the window, looking down at the ant sized figures below. “Not exactly. I did apply for that one – didn’t get an interview. It seems they don’t think my degree in creative writing makes me suitably qualified to write eviction letters!”
Josh laughed. “What? That’s crazy. I think you’d have been great at that.”
“Me too. I can just imagine someone receiving one of my eviction letters.” She cleared her throat, putting on a posh accent. “Well darling, the bad news is that we’re being evicted. On the plus side though, the letter from the council is wonderfully worded and the use of commas – exemplary.”
The pair broke into hysterical laughter, Josh eventually steadying himself enough to continue the conversation.
“So what’s it for?”
Danni hesitated for a moment as she leant her forehead against the cold glass. “Let’s say I’m hoping to be a Highway Environmental Officer.”
“A what?” he asked incredulously.
“A Road Sweeper.”
“Huh?” Josh said, stupefied.
Danni busied herself tidying up – she didn’t want to see the pity in Josh’s eyes. “A Road Sweeper, Joshua. Don’t look so sad for me. It’s outdoors, plenty of fresh air, and I get to come up with ideas as I sweep. Plus, the pay is really good. Oh, and I get a uniform and wait for it …” She spun around. “… my own broom.”
He jumped to his feet and walked over to her. “You are joking?”
“No, I really do get my own broom, two if I do overtime. How great is that?”
He held her by her shoulders and stared at her with the most earnest of looks. “D, if it’s about the money, I can cover your back. You can’t really be serious about being a road sweeper. You’ve got a degree for God’s sake.”
Danni swallowed the lump she felt forming in her throat. “I know, I know. Hey it’s not that bad. Lots of famous writers did menial jobs before they made it, I’m simply following in that tradition. Besides, it’s better that I do this than some comfy office job that I get all settled in and forget my dream. I want to do something that allows my mind to be free. So, until I can come up with a better plan, a road sweeper I shall be – and a bloody good one too.”
“Okay, D. But you will get your publishing deal, I just know it.”
“Yeah, well, I hope you’re right dear fiancé. Hey, I’m a bit tired. I think I’m gonna go and rest my weary head.”
Alone in her room, she flung herself down on the bed and buried her head in her pillow. She wasn’t one to feel sorry for herself, but with having so many disappointments of late – Brooke, her writing, bloody council admin jobs – nothing seemed to be going right for her. To make things worse, her pillow seemed to be giving off the distinct odour of kebab.
How could this be happening?
She hadn’t had one for weeks. Falafel maybe. But no kebabs.
***
Danni sat patiently on the hard, plastic chair. It was the kind of seat you often found in doctors’ waiting rooms, the kind you were afraid to touch in case you inadvertently encountered some dried bogey. The office was small and rather empty, smelling of a strange mixture of disinfectant and fruit gums. How on earth did this grey-faced man in front of her cope with it? She’d only been in the interview for five minutes and already she wanted to gag. Now that would make a good impression.
Mr Pompous Ass, otherwise known as Mr Jenkins, studied her with a stony expression on his face. “So Miss Gardener, what skills do you think you possess that makes you right for this job?”
Sweet Baby J in a manger! Was this wacko somehow related to Pete, her old boss? That was exactly the same question he had asked her at her waitressing interview. They clearly both read the same manual.
Danni attempted to muster an enthusiastic smile as she eyed Mr Jenkins opposite her. His grey suit perfectly matched his grey complexion, giving him a look of somebody suffering from the Black Death in the Middle Ages. Not that she had ever seen such a person. Mr Jenkins had an obnoxious habit of peering down at her from the top of his glasses every time he waited for an answer.
“Well, in what other job do you get the opportunity to sweep people off their feet on a daily basis?”
Danni laughed. Unfortunately, Mr Jenkins didn’t. His expression remained cold, then he looked down at her application form again.
Come on, Danni! Think brooms, think rubbish. She cleared her throat and spoke a little louder, injecting a tad more enthusiasm.
“Well Mr Jenkins, in all seriousness, I’m a huge fan of the environmental health pol
icies adopted by this local authority. In fact I’ve written to my MP to express my gratitude for all the changes that have been implemented.”
Bingo! For the first time since she sat down, he was looking at her with real interest.
“Such as?” he asked, leaning forward, his top lip quivering with enthusiasm.
“Oh gosh, there’re so many … where do I start? Okay. The new recycling plant that’s just opened has had a massive impact on the quality of my life – and that of the local community.”
The grey man smiled. Danni even thought she saw some colour rush into his ashen cheeks.
“I’m glad to hear it. I was in fact one of the leaders in that project,” he responded proudly.
Double bingo! This was going well, now to close the deal.
“You don’t say! I imagine your wife must be very proud to have a husband with such vision and integrity.”
His eyes narrowed. “Mrs Jenkins left me, for a woman.”
Epic fail!
Danni’s jaw dropped. “Never. What a shame, what a terrible shame. Well at least you can be proud of what you’ve achieved, Mr Jenkins. You are a true forward-thinker. I’m so glad to have a man like you working in my local council.”
Well recovered, Danni-girl.
“Why thank you Miss Gardener. It’s nice to be appreciated sometimes.” He gave Danni a smile.
She grinned back. “You’re more than welcome Mr Jenkins. More than welcome.”
Maybe she’d get her broom after all!
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“Hello? Earth to Brooke. Earth to Brooke – do you copy?” Ethan tapped a vacant Brooke on the shoulder. She started, letting out a sharp scream that resulted in Ethan leaping back a few steps and Brooke banging her knee on the corner of the desk.
“Ouch!” she cried.
He looked at her apologetically. “Sorry Brooke, I was trying to get your attention.”
“It’s okay, I was a million miles away,” she said rubbing her somewhat flushed knee.
Ethan nodded to her computer. “What’s that you’re reading?”
“Remember Danni said she was writing a book?”
“Yeah.”
“Well.” She pushed her back against the seat and looked up at him. “These are the first few chapters. Roy asked me to take a look.”
“Really?” Ethan said walking back to his desk and dropping into his seat. “And, is it any good?”
Brooke’s expression lightened as she looked at him. “Actually it is.”
He looked bemused. “You sound surprised.”
She wasn’t about to tell Ethan that she wished she had hated it, every wonderful word. Every beautifully crafted sentence. She had been hoping that she could tell Roy the book was average, below average even. Fit for neither toilet paper nor hamster bedding. Truth was, she actually loved it. She was blown away by it – from the engaging, warm style to the witty anecdotes. It was refreshing. Different. It had kept her hooked. No, in truth, she was convinced that Danni had real talent. She was onto a winner.
“Ethan how many manuscripts do you think we read in a month?”
He thought for a second. “I dunno, fifteen, twenty – at least I do anyway. You must read loads more considering you take stuff home.”
“Okay for arguments sake let’s say fifteen. Out of those fifteen, how many do you reckon we recommend for publishing?
“Hmmm now that’s easy – around one or two at the most.”
“How many this month?”
Ethan picked up a pen from his desk and tapped it against his chin. “One. I hope this conversation is leading somewhere.”
Brooke smiled. “Let’s just say this is Danni’s lucky day – she’s going to be number two.”
“Really? You like it that much or is this decision based on something more personal?”
“No, Ethan. I like it because it’s good,” she said standing up and stretching. “This could really be what we are looking for.”
He spun his chair in a full 360 degree turn. “Really? Or could it be more like a nice bit of nepotism. Imagine that, the boss’ future daughter-in-law is to become a published author. Roy will be happy to have talent so close to home. Think of all the little baby authors she can trot out. Ker-ching.”
“God, you can be obnoxious sometimes.”
“Only sometimes?” he teased.
“There’s no nepotism going on here Ethan. Just a refreshing and original idea, written with honesty, warmth and a healthy dose of wit. I would have the same opinion, even if you’d have produced it – not that you ever could.” She grinned sarcastically.
“All right. I’m just yanking yer chain Brooke. It’s so much fun to see you all hot and bothered.”
Brooke rolled her eyes and turned to walk away.
“Where you going?”
Brooke smiled sweetly. “To see the boss about a book. Oh and recommend that you be fired.”
Within minutes she sat across from Roy who was looking at her apprehensively. She couldn’t believe it – he actually looked nervous.
Clasping her hands together in front of her she grinned at him. “Well, I read it.”
He moved to the edge of his seat, his eyes wide and inquisitive. “And?”
“And.” She paused for affect. “I think it’s brilliant.”
He laughed and let out a long breath. “Really?”
“Yes, really.”
He fell back against his seat. “Well, I can’t say I’m disappointed you like it, Brooke. I was dreading the thought of having to break the bad news to Josh. How much of a bastard would I have felt?” Roy chortled, rocking back and forth in his leather chair.
Brooke rose to her feet. “Yes, I can imagine. Well I’m glad to have saved you from that horror. In all honestly, I think we’re on to a winner here. It’s a great read. Needs a few tweaks, but it’s certainly going in the right direction.”
“Good. That’s what I like to hear. I’ll give her a call and tell her the good news.”
“Do you mind me asking what you would have done if I didn’t like it?”
“Believe me, Brooke, if you’d have given it a thumbs down, all she would have received from me was a rejection letter and an extravagant wedding gift to ease my conscience.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“Josh, Josh,” Danni screamed, as she sprinted like a demented gazelle into the living room, slamming the door behind her. She stopped in her tracks, as she encountered a large bouquet of roses and a bottle of champagne in a wine cooler on the coffee table.
She looked down at the table and its delightful spoils. She hadn’t even realised they owned a wine cooler. “Champagne and flowers are a bit overboard for a road sweeper’s job aren’t they?”
“Indeed they are, my darling fiancée, but we’re not celebrating that.”
Danni looked bewildered. “We’re not?”
“Nope.” He grabbed the bottle by its neck and popped the cork.
“So what are we celebrating, oh mysterious one? Not our impending marriage I hope!” She half joked.
“Not that either.” Josh’s hands were shaking as he poured two glasses of champagne and handed one to Danni. He raised his glass triumphantly towards heaven. “To your impending success.”
“My what? What are you talking about?” She put the glass on the side. “Oh no, not this again, Josh. I’m not writing another book, I told you.”
“You don’t have to my little talented genius – you just need to finish the one you started.” He whipped his phone from his back pocket and handed it to her. “You, Miss Gardener are now a – no have a listen yourself.”
She snatched the phone from him, clutching it against her ear. “Josh, this is your dad.”
He smiled. “I know. He called while you were out, he said he couldn’t reach you on your mobile so he left me a message with the good news.”
Danni jumped up and down on the spot. “I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it,” she squealed excitedly
. But within seconds her elation had faded to doubt. “Josh, you don’t think he’s doing this because he thinks I’m your fiancée?”
“I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Danni, as much as you like to think the worst of yourself – people can actually see you’re a good writer. Oh, and by the way, my dad didn’t give it the green light, he deliberately kept out of it.”
“Then who did?”
“Brooke. And before you imagine she just did it to be nice, let me tell you that woman is known to be one of the best editors in the business. She is brutally honest, that’s why my dad hired her. Her reputation rests on making wise choices, she’s not going to put that on the line, however cute you are.”
Danni’s face lit up.
“So she liked it, she really liked it!”
“Apparently so. The contract is being drawn up as we speak,” Josh shouted, unable to hide his utter joy for his friend.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe it. I’m going to be published! I’m going to bloody well be published! Josh – thank you. Thank you for everything. I still can’t believe this.”
Josh beamed as Danni showered him with hugs and kisses.
It was a bittersweet moment for her. The elusive dream of being published was now within her grasp but, wasn’t there always a but. The contract wasn’t for the book she wanted and Brooke wasn’t there to celebrate with her.
Josh laughed. “Believe it, Danni. I told you you’d do it. My dad wants you to go to his office tomorrow to discuss book business.”
“Really? Ah, I feel all shy and weird. Will you come with me?”
“Of course I will. Anything for my fiancée,” Josh said with a half curtsy.
“Oh my God. What are we going to do about the big lie?”
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, Danni. It’s like you said in your book, about people’s expectations of one another and I feel ready now. By the time your book is published I’m going to tell him I’m gay.”
“Josh, I’m proud of you. It’s the right thing to do. Speaking of parents, I’ve got to share the news with my mum,” Danni said pressing her mum’s number on her mobile as she rushed to her bedroom. She stood by the window, waiting for her to answer.
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